Today's Opinions

In mid-December the telephone rang and I found myself patched into a phone town hall conducted by Rep. Morgan Griffith.
Many of the callers were living on an economic precipice, struggling to get by on Social Security, veterans’ benefits, or other form of assistance.
They wanted to convey to the congressman the difficulties they were experiencing and in some cases, solicit his help. Social Security is not giving beneficiaries a cost of living increase (COLA) in 2016, and this was a concern.

America was our home to care for, to have pride in for our accomplishments, and our hopes and dreams for our children and grandchildren; and we do nothing as these politicians give it all away to illegals and the terrorists.
We Americans lost our leadership, and now our society is adrift.
Our children and grandchildren will be the dying end to this American society.
The new world order has begun. We Americans are to be left out with no purpose, no voice, and no place.Bud Cox
Galax

To the woman who found my purse recently in a grocery cart at Walmart, I don’t know you, but I thank you so very much for taking it to the store.
I’m glad there are some good, honest people still in this world.
Thank you, Thank you.Lydia Phillips
Hillsville

I’m increasingly alarmed at comments from presidential candidates in both parties regarding Social Security, which is important to older Americans like me. After researching this, there’s only one candidate, Bernie Sanders (Senator, Vermont) who has a proven record throughout his career in the US House and Senate of steadfastly supporting this vital program. Bernie realizes more than half of all workers aged 55 to 64 have no retirement savings, and more than a third of those over 65 count on Social Security for most or all of their income.

With just a few weeks left to select a comprehensive and affordable health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, now is the time to shop and compare. Come Jan. 31, the marketplace will close for the year.

For those who have not previously had health insurance coverage, the question “why?” tends to pop up. Here are five great reasons why now is the time to find the plan that best fits you and your family’s needs:

During the Civil War, the army of the United States Federal government raped black and white women as they burned and pillaged their way through the south, lynching some who got in their way.
I’m writing to explain the heart and soul of the Southern heritage the Confederate flag represents.
Recently, a Confederate cemetery was vandalized by disrespectful, disgusting people that are a prime example of what our heritage has taught us not to be.

Once again, it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, particularly those to improve our diet and exercise routine.
Although gun violence and traffic accidents remain the leading causes of death among young people, the most dangerous weapon for the rest of us is still our fork.
Well over a million of us are killed each year by high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other chronic diseases linked to our meat-based diet.